Habitat:
marshes, rice fields, slow-flowing streams and roadside ditches

Activity period :
Mainly active at night, generally discreet during the day.

Identification and description:
The cane toad (Rhinella marina) is a robust amphibian reaching up to 23 cm in total length, with a stocky body covered in rough, warty skin colored olive to deep brown. Native to tropical wetlands of Central and South America, it inhabits marshes, rice fields, slow-flowing streams and roadside ditches, preying on insects, spiders and small vertebrates. An invasive species introduced across multiple continents, it secretes potent skin toxins to deter predators. Males vocalize in resonant choruses during the rainy season. Breeding occurs in large communal pools, where females deposit thousands of eggs in gelatinous strings that hatch in two to five days. After hatching, tadpoles metamorphose rapidly and juveniles may live over ten years.

Recommended lens:
Macro – adjust based on distance, desired framing (portrait or habitat), and approach conditions.

Photography tips:
Use a 100–150 mm macro lens and position yourself at ground level for a natural perspective. Set aperture to f/11 to isolate the toad and shutter speed to 1/200 s to freeze subtle movements. Employ an off-camera flash with diffuser or a reflector for soft lighting without harsh reflections, and shoot in RAW to maximize post-processing flexibility. Scout ephemeral ponds after rainfall, when cane toads are most active.